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💡 Open Enrollment runs from November 1st - 15th. Any changes made during Open Enrollment take effect in January. Please notify [email protected] within 31 days after a Qualifying Life Event, if you want to make changes to benefits enrollment outside of this annual open enrollment period.
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We are not changing our insurance providers and there are no changes to the plans offered. Every year the City will contribute up to 6% more towards premiums, but our rates only increased by 4%.
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You do not need to fill out a new LEOFF Trust Enrollment form unless you want to change your plan or who is covered.
- None of the medical plans have any employee cost, please look at the presentation and rate sheet below for detailed info.
- If any forms ask you for the “event” date, it is 1/1/2025, reason is “Open Enrollment”
Voluntary HSA and FSA contributions reset each year, so if you are eligible and want to continue voluntary contributions, you will need to submit new forms for those programs.
New for 2025: If you want to MAINTAIN or CHANGE your COB opt-out benefits, a new form must be completed every year.
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Benefits Presentation and Rates:
2025 Rate Sheet.pdf
Whatcom Fire_Enrollment Guide 2025.pdf
Medical & Vision - Premera
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⚕️ STEP 1:
If you want to switch plans or change who is enrolled in your plan, complete this LEOFF TRUST Enrollment Form
(Option 1) Plan F – Low-Deductible ($100 Deductible)
(Option 2) Plan H – ****High-Deductible/HSA ($2000/$4000 Deductible)
(Option 3) Medical Insurance Opt-Out – The City is now requiring a new Opt-out form EVERY YEAR. Opt-Out amounts can be found on the Rate document (above).
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STEP 2: Complete additional forms as needed.
- (Optional) **Voluntary HSA Contributions:** If your enrolled tier is not already fully funded by the City, you can voluntarily contribute additional HSA money up to the IRS annual maximum of $4300/Individual or $8550/family. Please note that the form is asking for the amount per paycheck that you want contributed (twice a month). Refer to the Rate Sheet for maximum voluntary contribution amounts.
- (Optional) City of Bellingham Flexible Spending (FSA) Form: If you want to set money aside in a flexible spending account, you will need to complete this form. Make sure that you choose the correct type of FSA. If you have questions, view the Staff Central page.
Update Beneficiaries
COB Beneficiary Designation Information.pdf
New York Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation Form.pdf
- (Recommended) NY Life Insurance Beneficiary: The City is requesting that everyone complete a new NY Life Beneficiary form if you haven’t completed one recently. They said they have very few on-file as most people forget to submit these. Print the form out and send it to [email protected]
- (Optional) Long-Term Disability Beneficiary: Hartford LTD Beneficiary – This policy is manged by our union. Please ensure the beneficiary areas are accurate and complete.
Review Deferred Comp (457b) Contributions
- (Recommended) Review your Deferred Compensation contribution amounts. For 2025, the maximum annual contribution increases to $23,500 and you have the option for post-tax (ROTH) contributions. The age 50+ catch-up contribution has increased up to $11,250/year ($34,750/year total)
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Read next: Retiring Soon?
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👈 Read previous: Other Qualifying Life Events
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Related: New Hire Enrollment
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